Thailand’s internet users set to double

Far from being a land of ascetic Buddhist norms, today Thailand is one of the most connected countries in the region. As of July 2013, Thailand’s internet population stands at 26 million people, an estimated 37 per cent of the country’s total population of 70 million.

While broadband internet is accessible in major cities like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, a large section of the population in more rural areas have very little to no access to internet, with the majority of internet users depending on dial-up. However, due to the rise and widespread availability of smartphones, tablets and broadband internet connections, the number of internet users in Thailand is expected to reach 52 million by the end of 2013 with a 3G network currently being implemented.

Gp Capt Aundiith Nakoranthap, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) minister, credited the price drops and affordability of tablets and smartphones, saying that it would pave the way towards doubling Thailand’s internet user base by the end of this year.

Surangkana Wayuparb, the director of the ICT Ministry’s Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA), said that viral marketing, the use of existing social networks to boost brand awareness, is an effective tool and potent means for companies focused in e-commerce.

In April and May of this year, the ETDA surveyed an estimated 23,907 respondents, whom of which, 93.8 per cent reported saying that the used social media, with half saying they online shop via social networks, with Facebook, Google+, LINE, Instagram and Twitter being the five most popular social media sites. The top three reasons that moved people into making purchases online were convenience, attractive promotions and online payment security, with the top three best-selling products being fashion clothing and shoes, mobile phones along with other IT gadgets, and beauty cosmetics. The average price for a product was found to be 2,500 baht ($80.28).

Surpassing desktop computers, Thais primarily use notebooks, smartphones and tablets as their primary devices when accessing the internet.

The survey revealed that Thais spend an average of 32 hours a week on the internet, up from 18 hours in 2011. The top three online actives were found to be sending emails, conducting internet searches, and using social media.

The survey showed that the main issues that Thai’s face with the internet currently are low speeds, high service charges and poor network coverage. It also showed that 35 per cent of the respondents surveyed use free WiFi sponsored by the ICT Ministry, with half of these users expressing satisfaction.

Far from being a land of ascetic Buddhist norms, today Thailand is one of the most connected countries in the region. As of July 2013, Thailand’s internet population stands at 26 million people, an estimated 37 per cent of the country’s total population of 70 million. While broadband internet is accessible in major cities like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, a large section of the population in more rural areas have very little to no access to internet, with the majority of internet users depending on dial-up. However, due to the rise and widespread availability of smartphones, tablets and broadband internet...

Far from being a land of ascetic Buddhist norms, today Thailand is one of the most connected countries in the region. As of July 2013, Thailand’s internet population stands at 26 million people, an estimated 37 per cent of the country’s total population of 70 million.

While broadband internet is accessible in major cities like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket, a large section of the population in more rural areas have very little to no access to internet, with the majority of internet users depending on dial-up. However, due to the rise and widespread availability of smartphones, tablets and broadband internet connections, the number of internet users in Thailand is expected to reach 52 million by the end of 2013 with a 3G network currently being implemented.

Gp Capt Aundiith Nakoranthap, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) minister, credited the price drops and affordability of tablets and smartphones, saying that it would pave the way towards doubling Thailand’s internet user base by the end of this year.

Surangkana Wayuparb, the director of the ICT Ministry’s Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA), said that viral marketing, the use of existing social networks to boost brand awareness, is an effective tool and potent means for companies focused in e-commerce.

In April and May of this year, the ETDA surveyed an estimated 23,907 respondents, whom of which, 93.8 per cent reported saying that the used social media, with half saying they online shop via social networks, with Facebook, Google+, LINE, Instagram and Twitter being the five most popular social media sites. The top three reasons that moved people into making purchases online were convenience, attractive promotions and online payment security, with the top three best-selling products being fashion clothing and shoes, mobile phones along with other IT gadgets, and beauty cosmetics. The average price for a product was found to be 2,500 baht ($80.28).

Surpassing desktop computers, Thais primarily use notebooks, smartphones and tablets as their primary devices when accessing the internet.

The survey revealed that Thais spend an average of 32 hours a week on the internet, up from 18 hours in 2011. The top three online actives were found to be sending emails, conducting internet searches, and using social media.

The survey showed that the main issues that Thai’s face with the internet currently are low speeds, high service charges and poor network coverage. It also showed that 35 per cent of the respondents surveyed use free WiFi sponsored by the ICT Ministry, with half of these users expressing satisfaction.